MEDIA RELEASE Monday 10 August SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE presents AN EVENING WITH DAVID SEDARIS “Sedaris’s droll assessment of the mundane and the eccentrics who inhabit the world’s crevices make him one of the greatest humorists writing today.” – Chicago Tribune “Sedaris ain’t the preeminent humorist of his generation by accident.” – Entertainment Weekly “He’s smart, he’s caustic, he’s mordant, and, somehow, he’s…well, nice.” – Toronto Globe and Mail NPR humourist and bestselling author David Sedaris returns to the Sydney Opera House in January 2016 as part of a much anticipated third tour down under. An Evening with David Sedaris sees audiences treated to Sedaris reading from a selection of his new and unpublished essays and diary entries, which he writes in daily. Having been nominated for three Grammy Awards for Best Spoken Word and Best Comedy Album, an evening with Sedaris is always a special and memorable event. It’s thanks to his trademark sardonic wit and incisive social critiques that Sedaris has become one of America’s preeminent humour writers. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness has earned him a reputation as a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today. Fans of Sedaris will know him as the author of multiple best-selling books including Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, When You Are Engulfed in Flames and his most recent book, Let’s Explore Diabetes With Owls. A total of 10 million copies of his books are in print and have been translated into 25 languages. His original radio pieces can also be heard on the public radio show This American Life, which airs on ABC Radio National in Australia as well as through its highly successful podcast. Additionally he has been heard for years now on live recording readings in London for BBC Radio 4 in the program Meet David Sedaris. His written pieces also regularly appear in The New Yorker and have twice been included in The Best American Essays. In addition, a feature film adaptation of his story C.O.G. was also released after a premier at the Sundance Film Festival in 2013. With past tours selling out quickly, don’t miss your chance to hear one of the most insightful and hilarious voices of our time on the Australian stage. David Sedaris says, "I love the airports of Australia. Security wise, they’re like stepping into a time machine and coming out in 1975. No one yells at you, you get to keep your shoes on. It’s heaven. Coming from the UK, I also appreciate how open the people are, how willing to talk about money. ‘How much did your house cost?’ I ask. ‘How much do you make per year?’ In Europe people pass out when you ask that question, but in Australia, they just jump right in and answer." Head of Talks and Ideas at the Sydney Opera House, Ann Mossop, says, “This will be David Sedaris’ fourth visit to the Sydney Opera House since 2008. It is a pleasure to welcome him to our stages and see the skill with which he brings his unique comedy to life in front of an audience. His take on the absurdity of everyday life makes us laugh out loud, but the sharpness and originality of his observations go beyond comedy to leave us with a deep understanding of human frailty.” David Sedaris will also tour Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne, Hobart and Perth. Visit davidsedaristour.com.au for more info. Ideas at the House is Sydney Opera House’s talks and ideas program. It presents ideas, conversation and debate from leading thinkers and culture creators. Ideas at the House online extends the reach of live events with unique content. As well as a year-round program of inspiring events, Ideas at the House features the annual festivals All About Women and the Festival of Dangerous Ideas, and one-day events For Thought and Carnegie Conversations: Ideas for a better Australia. The next Festival of Dangerous Ideas program will take place on 5-6 September 2015. More info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com/ideasatthehouse INFORMATION: What: An Evening with David Sedaris When: Monday 18 & Tuesday 19 January 2016 Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House Tickets: From $55 More info: sydneyoperahouse.com CONNECT WITH IDEAS AT THE HOUSE: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IdeasAtTheHouse Twitter: https://twitter.com/ideasatthehouse Instagram: http://instagram.com/sydneyoperahouse/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ideasatthehouse IATH Hub: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/ideasatthehouse MEDIA CONTACT: Julia Lenton / [email protected] / +612 9250 7825 / +61 410 748 039 For all enquiries about David Sedaris’ national tour, please contact Lana Matafonov at Token Events: Lana Matafonov / [email protected] / +613 8417 0000 / +61400 707 315 EVENT PARTNERS: .